Perception of the traffic safety climate: comparison of different groups of Lithuanian drivers

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe how different groups of Lithuanian drivers perceive traffic safety climate. 449 Lithuanian drivers (214 males and 235 female, aged 18-53 years) participated in the study on voluntary basis. Driving experience of participants varied from 3 month to 35 years. 141 drivers reported being involved in at least one traffic accident while driving and 157 participants reported being fined at least once for violating any traffic rules while driving during the past three years. Traffic Climate Scale was used to measure external affective demands, internal requirements and functionality of the traffic system. The results showed that men reported more positive attitude towards traffic safety climate than women. Young male drivers and older female drivers perceived traffic climate as safer and less challenging compared to older males and younger females. Age of the driver but not driving experience was found to be important factor for evaluation of traffic safety climate. Female drivers, who reported being involved in at least one traffic accident while driving, perceived traffic system as more functional. No relations between traffic safety climate and self-reported penalties for any violation of traffic rules were established.